The Fascinating History Of Yamaha Motorcycles
I found a marvelous video the other day about the history of Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd and I wanted to share the story.
Torakusu Yamaha established the company in 1887 as a piano and reed organ manufacturer in Hamamatsu, Japan.
But after World War II, Japan had little need for pianos. What they did need was cheap reliable transportation. Yamaha saw the needs of the market and began making motorcycles.
The motorcycle division became independent from the main company in 1955 and Yamaha Motors was born.
Yamaha's corporate philosophy is about "creating kando with products and services that exceed your expectations". Kando (感動) is a Japanese word describing how music and instruments interact with the human spirit. It roughly translates to "emotionally moving".
Who knew the world's largest manufacturer of musical instruments could also make really cool motorcycles?
Oh, and now you know why the Yamaha logo features 3 tuning forks. 👍
▶️ The Video
Yamaha Motorcycles - History (From 1955) | Full Documentary
*Sidenote: The first half of the video is about the history of the company. The second half focuses on motorcycle racing specifically.
Featured image source: pixabay
My 1986 Yamaha Virago XV1100
First of the Japanese manufacturers to race internationally, Yamaha has helped push the performance market forward ever since. Competing today in MotoGP and AMA Superbike, Motocross and Supercross, the “crossed tuning-forks” company remains a vigorous force in racing worldwide.
Did not know you are a fellow rider! Is there a community of riders here yet? I've found them sporadically and keep a list of riders I've encountered here.
They also make sweet lawnmowers
Awesome, i working in Yamaha company in Lithuania :)
Yamaha has introduced most stylish and beautiful designs in history.this is also known as reliable company.your bike is stylish and looking comfortable.
Yamaha is such agreat company manufacturing bikes. I like yamaha bikes. The desgin and the specifications of the bikes i realy like.
Well come back after long time.
Yamaha in amazing bike companu. Beautiful designs with power full strokes of engine makes it uniques to others.
I've become quite the fan of Yamaha in recent years!
Great journey of Yamaha from organ making to highest ranked motorcycle manufacturing.
We are using yamaha but very lottle about the its history. It isvery enlightning one. @slickwilly